How to become a Taoist priest starting from a brothel

Hermit.

This is a name that has become known to most people in Lichao in just about a year.

Different people have different opinions about her.

Some believe she possessed extraordinary talent and should be considered the most talented woman in the Li Dynasty.

Some people believe that she was of humble origin and unworthy of being compared with learned people.

Some powerful families believed she was incredibly audacious and should be strangled to set an example.

Some officials believed that she was knowledgeable about both ancient and modern times and well-versed in court politics, making her a remarkable woman.

Some people believe that she pitied herself and spoke out for the people, and was a truly virtuous person.

No one thought the hermit was a practical expert; in their minds, even if such a woman was so capable and talented, she was nothing more than someone who wrote lofty and unrealistic articles.

For most ordinary people, such hermits may feel familiar, but they don't see them as any different from those who claim to speak up for the people but can't bring them any real benefits.

Until the recluse's new book, "The Farmer," was published.

People then realized that this woman, who was thought to be just a writer, actually had a deep understanding of farming.

"In the Qinhuai region, rice and wheat can be harvested twice a year. During the wheat harvest, crops are rotated and fallowed. After the rice harvest, either wheat or rapeseed is planted to overwinter. Rice is usually planted in May, while wheat is sown in September or October and harvested in April or May of the following year. Therefore, in the Qinhuai region, two harvests can be achieved in one year, namely one season of rice and one season of wheat."

"Yancheng is a place where wheat is harvested only once. We select cold- and drought-resistant seeds and employ precise sowing methods with sufficient soil moisture. After the wheat harvest, during the summer slack season, we deep plow and loosen the soil to conserve moisture, harrow and cover the soil to retain moisture, and collect rainwater in furrows and ridges to increase moisture. After sowing, the topsoil contains many clods, and the soil is not firm due to straw returning to the field. We compact the soil to promote close contact between the seed and the soil, ensuring uniform seedling emergence, conserving and increasing soil moisture, and preventing drought and cold... We also provide a complete irrigation system... water-saving irrigation... seed treatment... and sowing at the appropriate time..."

"In Daicheng, pears, apples, walnuts, and other fruits can be grown; medicinal herbs such as eucommia, gastrodia, and codonopsis can be grown; and wheat cultivation depends on local conditions. In the Guanzhong Plain, there is one harvest a year or three harvests every two years; in the Daidao Plain, there are two or more harvests a year; and in the Bashan Plain..."

“In warm climates like Annam, Yuncheng, and Guicheng, rice can be harvested three times a year, making them natural granaries…”

This agricultural book provides a very detailed introduction to what plants are suitable for planting in various parts of Lichao, how to cultivate seedlings and select seeds, how to cultivate the land, and how to make fertilizers properly, etc.

It is extremely detailed, practically teaching you how to farm step by step.

"Young Master Li, is what this book says true?" In a village on the outskirts of Huaicheng Township, an old farmer asked with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation as he listened to the scholar explain the Hermit's New Book to him.

The scholar, known as Young Master Li, was handsome, but he wore old clothes and his skin was not as fair as that of ordinary scholars. Only when he raised his hands and feet could one vaguely see the fair skin hidden by his clothes.

Furthermore, his rather charming demeanor suggests that he comes from a good family.

“I am now walking through the countryside and see that the soil and rice are exactly the same as described in the book. I think the hermit was not speaking without reason. If you believe me, you can choose seeds and cultivate seedlings according to the hermit’s words. There will surely be results next season,” Young Master Li replied cautiously after thinking for a moment.

"How could we dare to try?" The old farmer sighed deeply. "The rent we pay from farming is barely enough to keep our families from starving. If it weren't for that famous Liu... who attracted so many admirers back then, we wouldn't be selling tea along the way to earn some money for our household registration, which is why we have such a good life now. If this doesn't work out... then what will we do for next year's rent?"

Upon hearing this, Young Master Li couldn't help but sigh. He was well aware of the situation, especially after Lady Liu was identified as a reclusive rebel and left Huaicheng. Sure enough, there were fewer visitors, and it was impossible for the people to earn more money as usual.

Looking at the book "Farmers" in his hand, and at the pages that had become somewhat worn after being read many times, he looked up at the old farmer and said, "Old man, I trust Master Liu. Her books have always been for the benefit of the people, so this book must be fine."

The old farmer looked at him, opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, a young man next to him interjected, "Dad, give it a try."

The old farmer looked at his son and thought for a long time.

"Dad, we should thank everyone for the life we ​​have now. It's okay to give it a try. At worst... at worst, we won't try everything. I'll find more work next year." Seeing his father wavering, the young man quickly tried to persuade him again.

Seeing his son say this, the old farmer gritted his teeth and nodded vigorously: "Alright! Let's give it a try! Next year, we'll just have to work harder."

Seeing that he agreed, the scholar, who was called Young Master Li, breathed a sigh of relief. He said to the father and son, "Don't worry, if it really doesn't work out, I will pay the rent for you."

"This..." The father and son looked at each other, speechless for a moment.

The old farmer quickly said, "How could we let Young Master Li pay? We are so grateful for your help these past few days. You even taught the village children to read, so they wouldn't be blind."

Young Master Li wore a wry smile: "I was just doing a small favor. If... if I had the chance, I would like to be like Master Liu."

The old farmer smiled kindly: "Young Master Li, you can definitely do it."

“Since Old Man Xu wants to try Master Liu’s method, then I’ll give it a try too,” the other farmers who were also attending the class chimed in.

“Yes, it’s not like we have to plant everything,” another farmer chimed in.

"By the way, doesn't the book say that it can also be planted in October? Then now is the perfect time." Someone calculated the timing and it was just right.

"Yes, yes, that's perfect, I'll start breeding when I get back."

"If you still don't understand, you can come back and ask Young Master Li."

A group of farmers were discussing the method they had just heard.

Before Young Master Li could say anything more, a voice came from behind him: "Mo Zhu?"

The one referred to as Young Master Li is Li Mozhu from Wenyuan Academy, and the person who came to see him is his close friend Liu Ziheng.

Upon seeing her long-lost friend, Li Mozhu greeted him with a smile: "Ziheng, what brings you here?"

When they saw that his friends had come to visit, the farmers tactfully took their leave.

After seeing off the farmers who had attended his lecture, Li Mozhu pulled Liu Ziheng straight to his house.

The house was right behind the classroom, in a small courtyard. The house itself was a typical farmhouse, not a fancy building, but it was kept extremely clean.

Liu Ziheng scrutinized her carefully for a long time before sitting down at the table and remaining silent for a long time while looking at Li Mozhu.

Seeing him looking at her like that, Li Mozhu smiled and poured him a glass of water: "What are you looking at?"

Liu Ziheng sighed softly and said, "I heard you're planning to study abroad?"

Li Mozhu looked at him and smiled: "That's right. We come from poor families. Even if we try our best and use up all our wealth, we can only become a minor county official. Since that's the case, why don't I do what I want to do?"

Liu Ziheng gave a wry smile: "You...you really are..."